(Santa Ana, CA) — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a warning due to the detection of dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) and domoic acid biotoxins in bivalve shellfish (mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops). Due to the elevated levels of biotoxins, all recreationally harvested bivalve shellfish from areas between Santa Barbara and San Diego, including Orange County (OC) are unsafe for consumption. OC Environmental Health is collecting shellfish samples for testing.
Additionally, beginning May 1st and until October 31st, the CDPH issues a routine, annual mussel quarantine to protect public health during warmer months when PSP and domoic acid levels are more likely to be elevated. The overlap of this annual mussel quarantine along with the warning due to recent detections of elevated biotoxins reinforces the need for caution and adherence to the quarantine to prevent serious illness or death.
This advisory does not apply to commercial shellfish from approved sources. For additional information call the Shellfish Hotline at 1-800-553-4133 or online at the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Quarantines and Health Advisories.
ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
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